# NTSB LAX96LA007: Schlitter Rans S-9, N5052E, Chandler, AZ, October 6, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 6, 1995, 09:51 local (16:51 UTC) - Place: Chandler, AZ - Coordinates: 33.319854, -111.820991 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3199&lon=-111.8210&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 29, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29306 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX96LA007 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29306/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA007 ## Probable cause seizure of the #2 cylinder for undetermined reasons. The lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing was a factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal - engine assembly,cylinder - undetermined (cause) - engine assembly,cylinder - seized (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - terrain condition - high vegetation ## Analysis The pilot reported that while in cruise the engine suddenly stopped. He selected a road on which to land; however, vehicle traffic prevented its use and he was forced to land in a cotton field. The aircraft collided with high vegetation and plowed furrows during the landing roll, substantially damaging the airframe structure. Disassembly of the Rotax 503 two-stroke engine revealed that the #2 cylinder had seized. The reason for the seizure could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On October 6, 1995, at 0951 mountain standard time, a Schlitter Rans S-9 homebuilt experimental airplane, N5052E, collided with ground obstructions during a forced landing near Chandler, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a complete loss of engine power during cruise flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft, owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local area personal flight originated about 0900 from Casa Grande, Arizona. The pilot reported that while in cruise the engine suddenly stopped. He selected a road on which to land; however, vehicle traffic prevented its use and he was forced to land in a cotton field. The aircraft collided with high vegetation and plowed furrows during the landing roll, substantially damaging the airframe structure. The aircraft and engine were examined by an FAA airworthiness inspector. He reported that disassembly of the Rotax 503 two-stroke engine revealed that the number two cylinder was seized. The inspector could not determine the reason for the cylinder seizure. Damage to the airframe consisted of damage to both main gear, engine mount, and a bottom longeron behind the main gear. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5052E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5052E-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N 1087022, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SCHLITTER RANS S-9 - Registry model: [Schlitter Randy RANS S-9](https://openairdocs.org/model/schlitter-randy-rans-s-9) (registry code 05612PV) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1087022 - Airframe hours: 139 - Engines: ROTAX 503 47 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Gary N. Wise - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, June 3, 1995, 11 hours before - Departed: CGZ, CASA GRANDE, AZ ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 399 total, 8 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19951006036209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951006036209A), Oct 6, 1995: Amtr RANSS9, Chandler, AZ, Substantial damage. Lost power at cruise. Tried for road. Too much traffic. Landed tall cotton. Cross furrows. NR2 cylinder siezed. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.